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"It's the shock," said Ludovic, resuming his barrack-room speech, "not looking to find you here, not at Mr. Spruce's. You of all people, here of all places."

Guy took the chair where Spruce had sat.

"My memory's awfully vague of those last days in Crete and in the boat."

"Best forgotten," said Ludovic. "Things happen that's best forgotten."

"Oh, come. Aren't you rather overdoing the modest hero? Besides I'm curious. What happened to Major Hound?"

"I understand he was reported missing."

"Not a prisoner?"

"Forgive me, Mr.--Captain Crouchback. I am not in Records."

"And the sapper who got the boat going. I was awfully ill--so was he--delirious."

"You were delirious too."

"Yes. Did you rescue the sapper too?"

"I understand he was reported lost at sea."

"Look," said Guy, "are you doing anything for dinner?"

It was as though Banquo had turned host.

"No," said Ludovic. "No"--and without an apology or a word of farewell to Guy or Spruce or Frankie, he made precipitately for the stairs, the front door and the sheltering blackout.